record weight .... correct weight?

Good question, without a good answer; or rather, not a consistent answer...

The down force applied to a record sitting on a platter is accomplished in three ways: A weight, a clamp, and/or suction. Three methods, but the same objective of getting good contact between the record and the platter and minimizing vibration of the record caused by the stylus or external sources.

(A side benefit of a periphery weight or vacuum platter is that record warps can be removed/reduced.)

But the amount of force required varies depending on the material/design of the record weight or clamp, the material/design of the platter and bearing (and the rest of the turntable), whether there's a platter mat or not, and if used, the type of mat. Even the thickness and density of the record can make a difference.

In other words, it depends. Unfortunately, I don't think there's been a study to determine the "correct" amount of downforce to use depending on the type of weight or clamp used with a given turntable setup.

I prefer using a threaded clamp because unlike a record weight you can adjust the amount of downforce. As for the benefits of a periphery weight, I use a record flattener to fix warped records so a periphery weight isn't necessary.

But I'm sure there are other perspectives on the matter. :-)

Regards,
Tom

Exhibitors at shows may be more concerned about someone dropping a record weight on the turntable than trying to get the absolute best performance out of a compromised room setting. Electronics shows are not where published reviews are conducted.

An expensive cartridge could easily get damaged or the beautiful finish on a plinth or tonearm could end up with a dent or scratch. The nuanced sonic gains of a weight or clamp may not be worth the risk. Unless a turntable designer/ manufacturer (or similarly knowledgable vinylphile) speaks up, we won't know for sure.

Just sayin'...